Santa is coming to town to turn on the Christmas lights and launch Yulefest Kilkenny 2023 on Saturday 25th November. Having enjoyed his trip so much last year Santa will once again take a boat on the River Nore, before taking a trip around the city and finishing up at Kilkenny Castle, followed by turning on the lights at The Parade. Old and young are encouraged to come out and welcome Santa to town! Enjoy live music, the Yulefest Christmas Market and maybe even get a picture with the big man himself!
The festivities will begin on Canal Square at 2pm and Santa will turn on the lights on The Parade at 5pm.
On the day children and families are invited to join Santa’s City Cycle to accompany Santa on his trip around the town. Children and their families are encouraged to cycle into town and meet Santa Claus at Canal Square where after his trip on the river, Santa will hop aboard the Kilkenny City Tours Train. Those on bikes will follow the train around through the city before finishing at Kilkenny Castle Park. Showing everyone how easy cycling in the city can be. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Timeline for the day:
11am: The Yulefest Christmas Market officially opens
12noon: Music on the Yulefest Bandstand with Gwen Blanch
2pm: Music with Samba Katz at Canal Square
2.15pm: Santa City Cycle meet up on Canal Square
2.30pm: Santa begins his journey on the river from Green’s Bridge to Canal Square.
3pm: Santa will depart from Canal Square for his trip around the town. Followed by Kilkenny Cycle’s Santa’s City Cycle.
3.30pm-4pm: Santa will arrive at Kilkenny Castle Park
4.30-5pm: The official launch of Yulefest Kilkenny 2023 at the Yulefest Bandstand.
5pm: Switching on of the Christmas lights
Thanks to Kilkenny Civil Defence, Nore Valley Farm and all participants for their support with this event.